Aransas is located in the Gulf Prairies and marshes vegetational region of Texas. Located in the arc of the Gulf coast shoreline known as the Texas Coastal Bend, the Refuge sits in the transition zone between the upper and lower coastal prairies. The upper coast has more rainfall, while the lower coast has more wind erosion and more frequent summer droughts. Exhibiting characteristics of both areas, the Refuge's unique location contributes to the diversity of its vegetation communities as it is subject to a variety of natural processes ranging droughts and floods to wildfires and hurricanes.

Management programs consist of Refuge projects with goals to enhance or maintain wildlife populations and their habitats. Specific projects can vary from year to year. Some are short term and many are long term.